From Publishers WeeklyChua (Day of Empire) imparts the secret behind the stereotypical Asian child's phenomenal success: the Chinese mother. Chua promotes what has traditionally worked very well in raising children: strict, Old World, uncompromising values--and the parents don't have to be Chinese. What they are, however, are different from what she sees as indulgent and permissive Western parents: stressing academic performance above all, never accepting a mediocre grade, insisting on drilling and practice, and instilling respect for authority. Chua and her Jewish husband (both are professors at Yale Law) raised two girls, and her account of their formative years achieving amazing success in school and music performance proves both a model and a cautionary tale. Sophia, the eldest, was dutiful and diligent, leapfrogging over her peers in academics and as a Suzuki piano student; Lulu was also gifted, but defiant, who excelled at the violin but eventually balked at her mother's pushing. Chua's efforts "not to raise a soft, entitled child" will strike American readers as a little scary--removing her children from school for extra practice, public shaming and insults, equating Western parenting with failure--but the results, she claims somewhat glibly in this frank, unapologetic report card, "were hard to quarrel with." (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.From Bookmarks MagazineMost critics agreed that Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is an entertaining readlively and humorous, written with the intent to shock. More controversial is Chuas stereotyping of Chinese and Western cultures, not to mention her authoritarian parenting methods. Critics judged the book largely by asking the following questions: Should self-esteem come before accomplishment, or accomplishment before self-esteem? If the latter, should it be achieved by threats and constant monitoring? Chuas teenage daughters are undeniably accomplished, but at what emotional cost? While some reviewers found that Chuas technique borders on abuse and her writing was, at best, self-serving, others were impressed by her parenting results and opined that the West could learn a few things from this remarkably driven Chinese American mother.From BooklistChuas stated intent is to present the differences between Western and Chinese parenting styles by sharing experiences with her own children (now teenagers). As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, she is poised to contrast the two disparate styles, even as she points out that being a Chinese Mother can cross ethnic lines: it is more a state of mind than a genetic trait. Yet this is a deeply personal story about her two daughters and how their lives are shaped by such demands as Chuas relentless insistence on straight As and daily hours of mandatory music practice, even while vacationing with grandparents. Readers may be stunned by Chuas explanations of her hard-line style, and her meant-to-be humorous depictions of screaming matches intended to force greatness from her girls. She insists that Western children are no happier than Chinese ones, and that her daughters are the envy of neighbors and friends, because of their poise and musical, athletic, and academic accomplishments. Ironically, this may be read as a cautionary tale that asks just what price should be paid for achievement. --Colleen Mondor how can i read books online for free without downloading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book and an awesome family!!!By ThaoI love Amy's book so much. At first, I ordered it with skepticism as I have been reading and experiencing so much pressure from the college application process myself. So I was heavily against the idea of forcing kids to their limits and beyond. Moreover, I have read tons of negative reviews and critics on her book. But then Amy's humorous accounts and sincere stories have captured me. I finished the whole book in one evening and kept admiring her candid way of raising her two daughters into such talented and brave young women, just like their mother. She only wants the best for her kids. No mom wants to be a tiger in others eyes, but she is willing to be laughed at and to confront criticism for her daughters future. The best testimony to her effort is Sophia and Lulus presence and their acknowledgement of Amys effort.I highly recommend this book to any parents and young adults.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great read.By WashShopperThis book was really insightful. I appreciated her thoughts. It was interesting to compare my soft western parenting to her style. Great thought provoking book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A good readBy GedrowSome people might not agree with Chua but she certainly challenged my own stereotypes.